Be Quiet, Marina! Kirsten DeBear & Laura Dwight, $11.95

Marina has Cerebral Palsy and Moira has Down syndrome, but they like many of the same things. However, Marina loves to make noise, and Moira likes quiet. The story of their friendship is beautifully told in words and photographs.

The Boy Who Said Nonsense. Felizia Sanzari Chernesky, $26.99

Tate is different, and not just because he came from a pumpkin patch. He loves numbers, especially the number eleven, and he can count lots of things just by looking at them! But all this counting makes most people think Tate talks nonsense. Tate never seems to mind, but his brother does. No one seems to understand the way his mind works — until his older brother makes a connection and helps the whole family see things from Tate’s perspective.

Blue Skies for Lupe. Linda Kurtz Kingsley, $23.95

Blue Skies for Lupe will warm readers' hearts with its simple, but gripping story based on the real-life adventures of a Mexican immigrant born with physical disabilities. Linda Kurtz Kingsley's charming tale is supported by her beautiful watercolors, sensitively rendered to capture the landscapes and people in Lupe's life.

Can I Tell You about ADHD? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals. Susan Yarney, $15.95

Ben has ADHD — Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Ben explains how he was diagnosed and what he has learned about ways to relieve his ADHD symptoms, and how friends and adults can help at home and school. This illustrated book is full of useful information and will be an ideal introduction for young people, aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and professionals working with children with ADHD. It is also an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.

Can I Tell You about Asperger Syndrome? A Guide for Friends and Family. Jude Welton, $15.95

This is the story of Adam, a young boy with Asperger Syndrome, who invites young readers to learn about AS from his perspective. Adam tells the reader what AS is, what it feels like to have it and how to help children with AS by understanding their differences and appreciating their many talents. This illustrated book is ideally suited for boys and girls between 7 and 15.

Can I Tell You about Asthma? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals. Lesley Mills, Illustrated by Rosy Salaman, $15.95

Alfie — a young boy with asthma — invites readers to learn about asthma, describing how it feels to have an asthma attack and what the common triggers are. He talks about the challenges of having asthma and how important it is that his friends and the people around him can recognize the signs when he starts feeling short of breath and know how to help. Alfie also gives simple instructions on using asthma inhalers and other medical treatments.

Can I Tell You about Down Syndrome? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals. Elizabeth Elliott, $15.95

David invites readers aged 7+ to learn about Down syndrome from his perspective, helping them to understand what Down syndrome is and how it affects his daily life. He tells us why he sometimes needs extra help at home and at school, and describes the ways that those around him can help him to feel supported.

Can I Tell You about Epilepsy? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals. Kate Lambert, $15.95

Ellie is a young girl with epilepsy who invites readers to learn about epilepsy from her perspective. She introduces us to some friends who help present the varying forms of epilepsy. Ellie and her friends help children to understand the obstacles that they face by telling them what it feels like to have epilepsy, how it affects them physically and emotionally, how epilepsy can be treated and how the condition is often misunderstood by people who do not know the facts.

Can I Tell You about OCD? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals. Amita Jassi, $15.95

Meet Katie — a teenager with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Katie invites readers to learn about OCD from her perspective, helping them to understand what it is, how her obsessions and compulsions affect her daily life, and how people around her can help. With illustrations throughout, this will be an ideal introduction to OCD for both young people and older readers. It shows family, friends and teachers how they can support someone with the condition and will be an excellent way to start a conversation about OCD, in the classroom or at home.

Can I Tell You About Peanut Allergy? A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals. Sharon Dempsey, illustrated by Alice Blackstock, $15.95

A boy with a peanut allergy explains what they are and how having one affects his daily life. He talks about how to make sure he lives a nut free life and how his friends and family can help with this. He also explains what treatment is used in emergency situations and how to handle special occasions, trips to friends' houses and going on holiday.

Can I Tell You about Selective Mutism? A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals. Maggie Johnson & Alison Wintgens, $15.95

Meet Hannah — a young girl with selective mutism (SM). Hannah invites readers to learn about selective mutism from her perspective, helping them to understand what it is, what it feels like to have SM, and how they can help.

Can I Tell You about Sensory Processing Difficulties? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals. Sue Allen, $15.95

Harry explains what happens when the sensory information that we all process throughout the day does not transmit smoothly and leads to challenges in learning, movement or behaviour. He talks about how he can be helped at home and at school and the different types of sensory processing challenges that other children can face.

Can I Tell You about Stammering? A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals. Sue Cottrell, $15.95

Meet Harry — a young boy who stammers. Harry invites readers to learn about what it is like to stammer from his perspective and how it affects his daily life and makes him feel. He talks about techniques that can help reduce stammering and describes how friends, family and others can help him to feel at ease and reduce his stammer further.

This illustrated book is full of useful information and will be an ideal introduction for young people, aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and speech therapists working with children who stammer. It is also an excellent starting point for group discussions at home or school.

Chicken Boy. Gregory Allen & Dennis Culver, $15.95

The amazing adventures of a super hero with autism.

Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair. Jewel Kats, illustrated by Richa Kinra, $18.95

In this updated version of the Cinderella tale, Cinderella uses her own abilities to build a future for herself. This is a strong, modern-day story of a young woman with dreams, and the strength to overcome obstacles that will inspire children of all ages and abilities.

Claire Wants a Boxing Name: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

Claire knows that her mom and other women at the Toronto Girls Boxing Club have really cool boxing names. They have names like Slice n' Dice and Eraser. Getting a boxing name is a big honour. Can Claire show her coach she's earned a special boxing name?

Clever Carter: a Story about Autism. Sara Park, $17.95

Clever Carter was developed as a resource to assist in educating young children about a friend or classmate with autism. The story uses rhyming text to narrate the abilities, traits, and behaviors that Carter has, and how his classmates can understand him better — include him in their play.

Clark the Shark. Bruce Hale, illustrated by Guy Francis, $21.99

Clark the Shark loves life so much! But sometimes he has difficulty regulating himself, and his enthusiasm overwhelms his friends. Sometimes Clark the Shark is too loud, plays too hard, eats too fast or too much. How can he learn to cool it?

Counting. DK Braille Books, $16.99

Explore tactile spreads in different textures to discover counting techniques with a book designed specifically for blind or visually impaired readers. The pages combine Braille, large print, and high contrast photography with clear and predictive layouts for curious young readers. The accompanying story in print and Braille takes readers on a counting adventure in the park.

Shapes. DK Braille Books, $16.99

Shapes is a unique book that helps young blind or visually impaired readers learn their shapes in a format specifically designed for them.

Different is Just... Different! Karen Tompkins, illustrated by Karen Morand, $7.99 (ages 3-6)

With bright illustrations and a simple but clear message, this picture book will help families and teachers start discussions about acknowledging and accepting differences.

Don't Call Me Fat! A First Look at Being Overweight. Pat Thomas, $7.99 (Ages 4-8) 

This book explores why someone might be overweight, gives advice on fitness and diet, and discusses how some people are bullied because of their weight. It also provides guidance for a healthier lifestyle as well as notes for adults. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them.

Erik the Red Sees Green. Julie Anderson, illustrated by David López, $26.99

What does it mean to be color-blind? What happens when you see things in a different way? This picture book tells the story of a young boy with Colour Vision Deficiency — and how his parents, teachers and friends all chip in to help him.

Faith Has Freckles and Walter Has Wheels. Shannon Dee, $10.95

This is a small book for small hands, full of BIG ideas. It will arouse a child's natural curiosity about the characters they meet, about skunks as pets, Autism, Down Syndrome, and how many push ups you can do with one arm. This is a loving book about diversity, friendships, and the power of big ideas.

Friends at School. Rochelle Bunnett, photos by Matt Brown, $9.95

This photo essay shows mixed-ability preschoolers busily working and playing at school, illustrating the true meaning of 'inclusion.'

A Girl Like Tilly: Growing Up with Autism. Helen Bates, illustrated by Ellen Li, $21.95

Tilly is a bit of a puzzle. She's struggling at school, she really doesn't like surprises, she isn't sure if she's a girl or a boy, and she just doesn't want to make new friends. Why is it such hard work to try and understand people, or for them to understand her? This poignant story maps the entire childhood of a bright young girl with autism. Growing up undiagnosed, she finds life increasingly difficult and confusing. Unable to communicate her thoughts and feelings, she retreats further into her own world while her family grows evermore perplexed and concerned. When a psychologist finally explains what makes her special, they can stop focusing on the problems and start to navigate a new way forward for Tilly.

With vividly expressive illustrations and minimal words, this story is a valuable and accessible tool for helping children aged 7-13 and their families understand female autism, and will also be immensely helpful to readers interested in understanding better how autism manifests in girls.

Good Luck Mrs. K! Louise Borden, illustrated by Adam Gustavson, $12.99 (ages 6-10)

Mrs. K’s grade three class works hard to make her proud while she is away on sick leave with cancer.

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid. Daniel Stefanski, $18.99

If you know someone with autism, you might find it hard to understand the person. 14-year-old Daniel Stefanski has autism, and his upbeat book will give you the confidence and tools needed to befriend kids with autism.

I Am Deaf. Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, illustrated by Marta Fàbrega, $8.99

Lana is 10 years old and she is deaf. In this story, she describes what it’s like to be deaf and she talks about some of the things she uses to help her learn at school and communicate with her teachers and friends.

I Have Epilepsy. It Doesn't Have Me. Jamie Bacigalupo & Judy Bacigalupo, illustrated by Inga Shalvashvili, $19.95 (ages 5-9)

Follow eight year old Jamie on her journey from being diagnosed with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy at age five, and see how epilepsy has not stopped her from doing great things!

I See Things Differently: a First Look at Autism. Pat Thomas, $9.50 (Ages 4-8) 

This book will help children understand what autism is and how it affects someone who has it. A wonderful catalyst for discussion that will help children to better understand and support autistic classmates or siblings. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them.

I Want to Be Like Poppin' Joe: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

Dylan and Joe have Down Syndrome, and this is a story about a great friendship. Dylan has an awesome friend. His friend, Poppin’ Joe pops and sells popcorn.  Poppin’ Joe has a very fun job. It’s noisy fun! Dylan learns from Poppin’ Joe how to do a job you love.

In My World. Jillian Ma, illustrated by Mimi Chao, $13.50

A simple, heartfelt story that follows the life of a child with autism through his imaginative journey as he seeks to be accepted, loved and celebrated for his strengths and abilities. Despite the qualities that make children on the autism spectrum exceptional, they all have hopes, dreams and feelings of belonging that all children desire. This book is a powerful reminder that with a little help from each of us, children with autism can fulfill their dreams.

Inside Asperger’s Looking Out. Kathy Hoopmann, $19.95

INSIDE ASPERGER'S LOOKING OUT follows in the best-selling footsteps of Kathy Hoopmann's All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome and All Dogs Have ADHD. Through engaging text and full-color photographs, this book shows neurotypicals how Aspies see and experience the world.

Each page brings to light traits that many Aspies have in common, from sensitive hearing and an aversion to bright lights and strong smells, to literal thinking and difficulty understanding social rules and reading body language and facial expressions. At the same time, the book highlights and celebrates the unique characteristics that make those with Asperger's Syndrome special.

Is It OK to Ask Questions about Autism? Abi Rawlins, $25.95 (ages 5-11)

Through autism awareness workshops in schools, the authors have compiled the most common questions on the subject. Based on real questions raised by children aged 5-11, this book provides direct answers as well as strategies for continuing the discussion to increase autism awareness in primary school settings.

It's Hard Not to Stare: Helping Children Understand Disabilities. Tim Huff, $12.50

Helping children to understand disabilities is the focus of It's Hard Not to Stare. The book encourages children to look at their world through the lens of compassion and understanding, rather than assumptions, indifference or fear.

It’s OK to Be Me! Just Like You I Can Do Almost Anything! Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, $8.50

From a child’s point of view, life can often seem difficult, but this brightly illustrated book encourages children never to be afraid of a challenge. The child in this story must stay in a wheelchair. Sometimes, he feels bad because he is left out of things by his classmates. One day, watching his friends play basketball, he has an idea. He decides that even while remaining in his wheelchair, he too can learn to play the game.

It’s Our Nature. Rebeca Orozo, Illustrated by Menena Cottin, $14.99

In the grasslands, the forests, the deserts, and the seas, animals learn to get along. They tolerate each other’s differences and embrace diversity. We are part of the same animal kingdom. We too, can learn to live in harmony with the world around us!

Just Because! Rebecca Elliott, $9.99

Just Because tells of a brother's love for his sister. He is so enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his tale unfolds does the reader begin to realise that his sister has special needs... and by then we just accept as he does all the wonderful things about her.

Rebecca Elliott's heart-warming picture book is much celebrated for its touching and sensitive approach to introducing the issue of disability to young children through a charming celebration of sibling friendship.

Kaitlyn Wants To See Ducks: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

Kaitlyn loves ducks. Her family loves all the animals. Seeing those apes and lions and elephants and goats and giraffes and bears, just isn’t what Kaitlyn wants to do. What's a girl to do, when it's family day at the zoo? 

Kooper's Tale. Donna Carol Koffman & Lawrence Segel, $14.95

When Kooper graduates from school, he goes to live with a boy named Reese. Reese has autism, and needs a strong, gentle friend who can keep him safe. That's just what Kooper was trained for! Kooper is a service dog, and he and Reese soon become best friends.

Learning to Be Kind and Understand Differences: Empathy Skills for Kids with ADHD. Judith Glasser & Jill Menkes Kushner, $17.50

Did you know that there are ways to understand how other people think and feel? That's called empathy, and it is a skill you can learn! Empathy helps you get along with other people — your family, your friends, your teammates — everyone you know! Packed with exercises, pointers, and fun activities, this book will help you:

• See different points of view
• Understand that everyone shows their feelings differently
• Pay attention to your feelings
• Look for clues about what others are feeling
• Learn the connection between thoughts and feelings
• Brainstorm about why other people feel the way they do

Learning to Be Kind and Understand Differences also includes a note and resources for parents. When you build your empathy skills you will get along better with other people — and feel good about yourself, too!

Let’s Talk About Being in Special Ed. Diane Jordan, illustrated by Colette Taylor-Clements, $14.95

Special education kids hear all the acronyms and know that there are meetings being held about them. This can lead to anxiety, poor self-esteem, and diminished self-image. This easy-to-read book allows parents, teachers, and students to demystify special education. It allows students to see special education as a tool to their success rather than a stigma, and increases the likelihood of their being successful in school and comfortable with themselves and their peers.

Look Up! Jung Jin-Ho, $26.50

A girl in a wheelchair looks down from her balcony and calls to passersby below: "Look up!"

Dog walkers, a bike rider, a kite flier and dozens of commuters walk by without taking any notice. Then a boy stops and looks up. He lies on the sidewalk so the girl can see him better. A woman joins him. Soon nine people and one dog are lying down and looking up. The girl looks up at the reader and smiles.

Marco and I Want to Play Ball: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

Isiah has Spina Bifida. He and his cousin Marco share a love of baseball. Who’s going to hit the ball farther? Who’s going to hit the ball higher? Whose ball will hit the barn?  Cousins like to tease and play, when Grandpa is pitching.

Maya's Voice. Wen-Wen Cheng, $14.50

Maya's Voice is a picture book about a little girl's journey to confront Selective Mutism. Maya is a bright-eyed, inquisitive little girl who loves to share her sweet voice. But when she starts school, she loses the confidence to use her voice and goes about her school day in silence. With time, patience, understanding, and love from all those around her, Maya discovers her sweet voice again.

Moses Goes to School. Isaac Millman, $20.00

Follow Moses through a typical school day, a public school for the deaf and hard of hearing. Moses and his friends have lots to do and say and they do it with sign language. A great introduction to deafness for school-age children.

My Friend Clyde. Jason Kendal, $12.75 (ages 3-7)

My Friend Clyde helps young children learn the importance of treating others with respect. At a young age we begin to look outward and notice the differences which exist in the world. This book is intended to be used as a tool to encourage healthy dialogue regarding these differences in a respectful and age-appropriate manner. By encouraging discussion at a young age we can help prevent the onset of bullying and promote respect for all. Discussion questions provided.

My Friend Has Down Syndrome. Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, illustrations by Marta Fàbrega, $8.95 (Grades 2-4)

The young narrator has been asked to be Tammy’s special friend at camp and she is a bit nervous, but soon the two are best of friends. Simple and dynamic illustrations help children understand their peers with special needs. Grades 2-4

My Name is Blessing. Eric Walters, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, $19.99

Based on the life of a real boy, this warm-hearted, beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Baraka, a young Kenyan boy with a physical disability. Baraka and eight cousins live with their grandmother. She gives them boundless love, but there is never enough money or food, and life is hard — love doesn't feed hungry stomachs or clothe growing bodies, or school keen minds. Baraka is too young, and, with his disability, needs too much, and she is too old. A difficult choice must be made, and grandmother and grandchild set off on a journey to see if there is a place at the orphanage for Baraka. The story begins by looking at Baraka's physical disability as a misfortune, but ends by looking beyond the disability, to his great heart and spirit, and the blessings he brings.

MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

MyaGrace loves music and dancing. Her school is having a big dance and she wants to go with her friend, Emily. She has so much to do to get ready. What should she wear? How should she fix her hair? What color should she paint her fingernails? Will she get everything done in time?

MyaGrace Wants to Make Music: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

Everyone in MyaGrace’s family makes music. She wants to join her family when they make music. How is she going to figure this out? Fortunately, MyaGrace knows just the person to help.

The Growing With Grace Series promotes the understanding that children with all types of abilities can gain skills they need for self-determination. MyaGrace has intellectual disabilities, autism and cerebral palsy.

Neema Wants to Learn: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

Neema lives in the mountains of Lushoto, Tanzania. Her day is full of fun. She tricks Joseph. She helps Mama Eduma. She sings with the children. Neema has learning disabilities, and she is always looking for ways to learn.

OE Wants It to Be Friday: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

OE is counting down the days until Friday. It’s her favorite day of the week. Each day she has fun, but she knows she will have fabulous fun on Friday. She can’t wait for her special time with Dad and her Boccia coach, Austin.

Onika Wants To Help: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

In Tanzania, there is a little village where a girl named Onika lives. Onika has intellectual disabilities.

She loves to go to school with her friends. Onika, Teophani, Agnes and Elibeth each have activities they like to do at their school. What is Onika's favorite thing to do? How can Onika and her friends learn skills to help their village?

Quinn at School: Relating, Connecting and Responding at School, a Book for Children Ages 3-7. Rick Warren, $22.50

Meet Quinn — an irresistible young child who is trying to learn the "ropes" of social interactions at school. Colorful illustrations, interactive activities and a fun poster make this educational tool more than just a good story!

Reese Has a Halloween Secret: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $13.50

Reese uses a wheelchair and a walker, and for Halloween his father has made him a costume that includes Reese's wheelchair. Reese loves having a secret, so no one knows what he and his father have planned. It’s so much fun sharing clues with his friends. They have to wait until Halloween to discover his wonderful surprise. But it’s worth the wait!

Remarkable Books about Young People with Special Needs: Stories to Foster Understanding. Alison Follos & the American Library Association, $21.95

Matching children with special needs to books and stories that will motivate and engage them, this book is a valuable collection for any parent, grandparent, caregiver, or teacher who lives or works with young people who have disabilities. This vast and varied selection of books offers individuals who may be isolated by their differences the security and companionship of stories they can identify with. Describing more than 100 stories featuring characters who have disabilities — from physical handicaps, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, and dyslexia to survivors of psychological or physical trauma — the guide points to narratives that can help make these conditions understandable and familiar. Selecting books that dissolve limitations and spark the imagination, this resource helps all kinds of adults and children empathize and truly connect.

Remembering Lucy. Sarah Helton, illustrated by Anna Novy, $25.95

Joe and his friends miss Lucy very much. When she died and they learned they wouldn't see Lucy again they were all very sad. But Joe has a plan: he can remember the happy times he shared with Lucy! He thinks about all the wonderful things Lucy did. How messy she was when she was painting, and the time she giggled through the school play when her crown kept slipping off. Now Joe knows that remembering Lucy means he doesn't have to feel so sad!

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) often experience grief at a much younger age than other children. This touching short story will help children with SEND aged 3+ understand feelings caused by death and loss, and the beautiful hand drawn illustrations help convey the complex experience of bereavement in a simple and clear way. Included is a teacher's guide to talking about bereavement, grief and loss, making this the ideal aid for teachers and support staff at SEND schools and colleges.

Rosie the Raven. Helga Bansch, $12.95

There’s something very different going on in the raven’s nest. When the eggs hatch, a little girl emerges from one of the shells, along with her black raven siblings. Loving raven parents take their little Rosie just the way she is.

In the beginning, Rosie tries to do everything her siblings do. She opens her mouth to receive worms from her parents, tries to caw until she is hoarse, and wildly flaps her arms in an attempt to fly. The neighbors offer encouragement. “Rub it with birch leaves. That will make its feathers grow!” Rosie finally realizes she is different. Maybe she can’t caw or fly, but a world of discovery awaits her nonetheless.

Helga Bansch’s exquisite artwork of collages and colored images bring humor, mood, and emotion to Rosie’s story. The reader is drawn to Rosie from the instant she pushes herself from the egg, smiling and happy to greet her family, oblivious to her differences.

Sign Up Here: a Story about Friendship. Kathryn Cole, illustrated by Qin Leng, $15.95 (ages 5-8)

It seems like every kid in Dee-Dee’s class has joined a club but her. It’s not that she doesn’t want to join a club, it’s that no one will let her! Because of her disability, she doesn’t walk fast enough for the walking club and the Strong-Arm Wrestling Club became the All-Boys Strong-Arm Wrestling Club when she beat Joseph easy-peasy in a match. Dee-Dee knows that friends shouldn’t leave you out and that she is a very good friend. So she and her teacher come up with a plan to show what good friends are and how they should treat each other.

Since We're Friends: an Autism Picture Book. Celeste Shally, illustrated by David Harrington, $19.95

Matt’s autism doesn’t stop him from having fun! Even when Matt struggles to navigate social situations, his friend is there to help him out. The two boys enjoy playing sports, watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals. Working together, a best friend’s compassion and understanding turn Matt’s frustration into excitement. Whether on the basketball court, the playground swings, or at the neighborhood pool, the two friends enjoy each other’s company.

Six Dots: a Story of Young Louis Braille. Jen Bryant, illustrated by Boris Kulikov, $23.99

Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read. Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him. And so he invented his own alphabet — a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.

Smiley: a Journey of Love. Joanne George, $18.95

While working as a veterinary technician, Joanne George heard about a puppy mill not far from the clinic and embarked on a rescue mission with her co-workers. On that special day, Joanne met Smiley for the first time. He had been born without eyes and with dwarfism and because of his time in the puppy mill, Smiley was suffering from serious anxiety. While the other dogs rescued that day were found loving homes, Smiley was going to need some extra special care. Nothing happens without practice and patience and Joanne and Smiley learned both those traits together. Gradually Smiley was able to walk off-leash and started greeting Joanne at the back door. She gave Smiley a loving home and he taught her patience, understanding and acceptance.

It soon became evident that Smiley would become a wonderful therapy dog. He trained as a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog, visiting hospitals, retirement homes, and schools to offer comfort and hope to those who were lonely or suffering.

Some Kids are Blind. Lola Schaefer, $7.95
Some Kids are Deaf. Lola Schaefer, $7.95
Some Kids Use Wheelchairs. Lola Schaefer, $7.95
Some Kids Wear Leg Braces. Lola Schaefer, $7.95

Sometimes I Get the Wiggles. Andee Cooper & Thomas Hilley, $30.00

Kannon is a little boy with a form of epilepsy that sometimes gives him the wiggles, and when that happens, just like Jell-O, his whole body jiggles. Kannon would very much like to go to school with everyone else his age, but he worries his condition might scare the other children away. After much thought, he comes up with an idea to enlist and train all of his classmates as Seizure Heroes as a way of helping his teacher and his fellow students see him through each school day. Based on a true story and written by Kannon's mother.

From the Special Kids in School Series® — Helping to build awareness and understanding of children with chronic illness. Each of the books in this series is designed to educate classroom peers about children living with different illnesses. Each title also includes "Ten Tips for Teachers" and "Kids' Quiz". A must for parents, teachers, school nurses, counselors and caregivers.

Titles in this series, $16.95 each:

Taking A.D.D. to School; Taking Arthritis to School; Taking Asthma to School; Taking Autism to School; Taking Cancer to School; Taking Cerebral Palsy to School; Taking Cystic Fibrosis to School; Taking Depression to School; Taking Diabetes to School; Taking Down Syndrome to School; Taking Dyslexia to School; Taking Food Allergies to School; Taking Hearing Impairments to School; Taking Seizure Disorders to School; Taking Speech Disorders to School; Taking Tourette Syndrome to School; Taking Visual Impairments to School; Taking Weight Problems to School.

Sticky Icky Booger Bugs: a Day In the Life of a Young Boy with Cystic Fibrosis. Sherry Frith, illustrated by Carol Newell Walter, $25.50

Sticky Icky Booger Bugs is the tale of a boy’s battle with cystic fibrosis as he attempts to avoid the hospital. Kory is just like any other child. He loves recess, playing soccer and exploring his neighborhood with his best friend. With every puff, cough, and sneeze, Kory keeps the sticky icky booger bugs away so he can have fun every day!

Susan Laughs. Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross, $21.99

Told in rhyme, this story follows Susan through a series of familiar activities. She swims with her father, works hard in school, plays with her friends — and even rides a horse. Lively, thoughtfully drawn illustrations reveal a portrait of a busy, happy little girl with whom younger readers will identify. Not until the end of the story is it revealed that Susan uses a wheelchair.

Told with insight, and without sentimentality, here is an inspiring look at one spunky little girl whose physical disability is never seen as a handicap.

The Theory of Hummingbirds. Michelle Kadarusman, $11.95 (novel, ages 8-12)

"Hummingbirds and angels don’t need two good feet. They have wings.” That’s what Alba’s mother always says. Of course, Alba doesn’t have wings or two good feet: she has Cleo. Cleo is the name Alba has given to her left foot, which was born twisted in the wrong direction. When she points this out, though, her mother just smiles like the world has some surprise in store she doesn’t know about yet.

Well, Alba has her own surprise planned. After one final surgery and one final cast, Cleo is almost ready to meet the world straight on — just in time to run in the sixth grade cross-country race. Unfortunately, Alba’s best friend Levi thinks there’s no way she can pull it off. And she thinks there’s no way he’s right about the school librarian hiding a wormhole in her office. Tempers flare. Sharp words fly faster than hummingbirds. And soon it looks like both friends will be stuck proving their theories on their own.

Waylen Wants to Jam: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

Waylen has autism. One thing he loves is playing the drum because it is so much fun. Waylen could do that all day long. But learning to be in a drumline is different. How will Waylen learn to drum with his line? What happens when Waylen is jamming?

We All Have Different Abilities. Melissa Higgins, $8.95

What can you do? Tie your shoes? Play piano? Everyone has different talents and abilities — let's share and celebrate our many talents!

What Do You Use to Help Your Body? Jewel Kats, $18.95 (ages 4-8)

Maggie and her mother are out for a walk. Along the way they stop and talk to the people in their neighbourhood, and Maggie discovers that lots of people use different things to help their bodies. Maggie discovers that many people with disabilities use aids, and just how they work!

Why Do You Do That? A Book about Tourette Syndrome for Children and Young People. Uttom Chowdhury & Mary Robertson, $19.95

Written specifically for siblings, friends and classmates of children with Tourette Syndrome (TS), Why Do You Do That describes tics and Tourette's in clear, child-friendly terms and provides a simple explanation of the biological causes. The authors also offer practical tips on how to deal with issues such as problems at school and bullying.

Why Johnny Doesn't Flap: NT is OK! Clay Morton & Gail Morton, illustrated by Alex Merry, $17.95

Johnny is different. He is never exactly on time, he can't seem to stick to a routine and he often speaks in cryptic idioms. Johnny is neurotypical, but that's OK.

A picture book with a difference, Why Johnny Doesn't Flap turns the tables on common depictions of neurological difference by drolly revealing how people who are not on the autistic spectrum are perceived by those who are. The autistic narrator's bafflement at his neurotypical friend's quirks shows that 'normal' is simply a matter of perspective.

Yago’s Heartbeat. Conchita Miranda, illustrated by Monica Carretero, $23.50

Can you dance in a wheelchair? Can you sing without being able to speak? Can you tell stories just with your eyes?

Yago’s Heartbeat is a story for everyone about differences, communication without words and unconditional love.